Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other biologically active molecules. Its enantiomerically pure structure makes it valuable for constructing stereoselective drug candidates. Commonly employed in peptide mimetics and medicinal chemistry research to introduce specific structural motifs that enhance binding affinity and metabolic stability. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis where the nitro group can be reduced to an amine for further functionalization.